Remote M&A Lead Attorney — Global Deals & Integration

Cognizant; Columbus (OH); Remote; USD 155,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

Paid holidays and PTO

401(k) plan and contributions

Discretionary annual incentive program

Job summary

Cognizant is seeking an experienced M&A Attorney to join its Corporate Development team in a remote US-based role. You will lead transaction structuring, due diligence, and closing for US and international deals, coordinating with cross-functional specialists to deliver integrated outcomes.

Required are at least five years in M&A, a JD, and top law firm experience. The role emphasizes independent work, leadership, and clear communication within a fast-paced global environment.

Qualifications

• At least five years of experience in mergers and acquisitions.
• Undergraduate and J.D. degrees from well-recognized institutions.
• Top law firm experience focused on public and private mergers and acquisitions in the United States and across borders.
• Diverse and complex M&A transactional experience, with the ability to apply that experience in new settings.
• A deep understanding of the end-to-end M&A process, from deal inception through the integration of an acquired business.
• Strong project-management skills and attention to detail, including the ability to organize, plan, coordinate, and implement large, cross-functional projects.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Sound judgment, including the ability to identify red-flag issues and elevate them when required.
• The ability to contribute to discussions of general business issues and advise internal stakeholders in a manner consistent with the company’s goals and culture.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with the Corporate Development department and supporting specialists.
• A strong sense of ownership, a desire to create meaningful outcomes, and passion for work that serves a greater good for customers, communities, or global challenges.
• The embodiment of Cognizant’s values: Work as One, Dare to Innovate, Raise the Bar, Do the Right Thing, and Own It.

Responsibilities

• Draft and negotiate definitive transaction documents, including sale and purchase agreements, disclosure letters, representations and warranties insurance documents, letters of intent, and confidentiality agreements.
• Serve as the lead M&A deal attorney, providing leadership and support for transaction structuring, due diligence, documentation, signing, and closing.
• Conduct legal due diligence on target companies and summarize key findings for the Corporate Development department and the company’s Investment Committee.
• Collaborate with specialists supporting Corporate Development, including tax, finance and accounting, HR, intellectual property, commercial contracting, ethics and compliance, privacy, IT, and security.
• Support Corporate Development’s integration group in developing and executing integration plans for acquired businesses.
• Coordinate and oversee the work of outside M&A counsel.
• Provide legal advice on matters related to Corporate Development and Cognizant’s M&A activities.

Skills

M&A experience

Project management

Communication skills

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

Undergraduate degree

J.D. degree

Job description

Cognizant is seeking an experienced M&A Attorney to join its Corporate Development team in a remote US-based role. You will lead transaction structuring, due diligence, and closing for US and international deals, coordinating with cross-functional specialists to deliver integrated outcomes.

Required are at least five years in M&A, a JD, and top law firm experience. The role emphasizes independent work, leadership, and clear communication within a fast-paced global environment.